NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) has issued a four-day heavy rainfall advisory, warning residents in 22 counties of potential flooding and hazardous conditions from February 21 to 24, 2026.
In a statement on Friday, February 20, Kenya Met said rainfall intensity is expected to increase over key regions including the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Highlands east and west of the Rift, and Nairobi.
“The rainfall being experienced over the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley and Highlands west and east of Rift Valley including Nairobi is expected to intensify to more than 20mm in 24hrs on 21st February 2026. The heavy rainfall is likely to intensify to more than 30mm in 24hrs on 22nd, 23rd, and 24th February 2026 and spread to the Southeastern lowlands and the Coastal region, especially south Coast. It is projected to reduce in intensity on 25th February 2026,” the statement read.
Counties at risk
Kenya Met highlighted the following counties as being particularly vulnerable to the heavy rains: Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Kakamega, Embu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Kisii, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Nairobi, Kericho, Bomet, Taita-Taveta, Kitui, Kwale, Mombasa, southern Tana River, and parts of Kilifi.
The advisory urged residents to remain vigilant and exercise caution, particularly around rivers, low-lying areas, and urban settlements prone to flooding.
“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods. Flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream. People are advised to avoid driving through or walking in moving water or open fields. Updates will be provided promptly if there are any changes,” Kenya Met said.
Recent weather trends
This alert follows Kenya Met’s weekly weather outlook for February 17–23, 2026, which highlighted continued rainfall in western and central regions, rising daytime temperatures in lowlands and coastal areas, and cooler nights in high-altitude zones.
“Rains are expected to continue over Western Kenya, the Central Highlands including Nairobi, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and parts of the South-eastern Lowlands. In contrast, North-eastern and North-western Kenya are likely to experience generally sunny and dry conditions,” Kenya Met noted.
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Daytime temperatures are projected to exceed 30°C in several regions, particularly in coastal and lowland areas, while some highland regions, including parts of the Central Highlands, Central Rift Valley, Western Kenya, and areas near Mt. Kilimanjaro, may experience nighttime temperatures below 10°C.
Public safety measures
Authorities are urging communities to take preventive measures, including:
- Avoiding travel through flooded or fast-moving waters.
- Staying away from riverbanks and low-lying areas during heavy rains.
- Monitoring local media and Kenya Met updates for real-time alerts.
The Meteorological Department emphasised that this four-day advisory aims to give residents ample time to prepare and minimise damage or loss during the intense rainfall period.
